What results from the flow of electrons in a conductor?

Prepare for the TExES Science 7-12 Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The flow of electrons in a conductor is fundamentally what constitutes electric current. When a voltage is applied across a conductor, it creates an electric field that pushes the electrons, allowing them to move. This movement of charge carriers—primarily electrons in a metallic conductor—constitutes an electric current, which is measured in amperes (A).

In essence, electric current is the rate at which electric charge flows through a surface. This flow of electrons can be harnessed to do work, such as powering electrical devices, which is the practical application of electric current in circuits. Understanding this concept is critical for grasping how electrical systems operate and is foundational in the study of electrical engineering and physics.

Other concepts mentioned may relate to electricity but don't define the flow of electrons directly. Electric potential refers to the potential energy per unit charge; resistance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of current due to material properties; and magnetic flux involves magnetic fields and their interaction with electric currents but does not describe the flow of electrons themselves.

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